Monthly Archives: February 2017

It’s so crazy for me to think it’s been five years this week since I started this blog. Five! I’m definitely a more experienced baker, eater, traveler, and drinker, thanks to this blog and your participation. Let’s celebrate with a new edition of Friday Five over some cocktails, shall we?

1. I’m 100% down to try these historic bars in the Bay Area. Who’s with me?!

2. What’s your favorite region in France? Having only been to Paris, I’d have to say that is mine. But after reading this post on reasons to visit other regions, I’m ready to pack my suitcase and take in the rest of the country!

3. Like raspberries? Like scones? Like cookies? This recipe sounds like something right up my our alley!

4. Absolutely itching to take this iconic road trip in my home state! But it will have to wait, as I have a different road trip in my future 😉

5. Whoa! Apparently, gluten-free, clean eating doesn’t have to be boring! I’m ready to hop on that dietary train, if all the recipes look like this one!

The last few weeks have been a bit turbulent. (And the current political state isn’t making it any easier.) Between overcoming health issues and rebounding from the holidays, I’ve been feeling a bit scattered and not very motivated. It felt weird to share all of these cool things that I’m genuinely excited about without coming off as tactless or superficial. I didn’t want to fake my way through posting in an effort to meet the scheduling I’d set on myself, so I decided a break was in order. And yes, it was definitely not you, it was me. I didn’t really have a timeline for getting back into posting, only that I didn’t want it to be too long and I wanted writing to feel natural again.

So now, here I am! And with such timing, too, as I’ll be celebrating f-i-v-e y-e-a-r-s of sharing my favorite recipes, restaurants, trips, crafts and tips with you this month. Time flies! There will be some cool changes coming soon-ish. Changes that I can’t wait to share with you, but will require some patience on your end (I’ve gotta whip some stuff together!) But hold tight! I think you’ll like what I have in store. So in the meantime, let’s get back to our first Friday Five of 2017, shall we!?

1. As my photo above indicates, the weather in Napa has been rainy as of late, which means I’m craving soups! This Thai-style soup is what dreams are made of.

2. This vintage map of France is amazing! The origin of every famous French food is mapped out.

3. While seemingly geared toward a family household, I love these tips for creating a happier home.

4. Want to make a sweet gift for Valentine’s Day? This sauce looks both easy and delicious!

5. SO proud of my home region of Napa Valley for making the New York Times’ list of places to visit in 2017! For those of you intent on visiting, let me know! Now to hit up the others on the list I’ve not yet been to..